Meet Christiane

Christiane began having back pain as a young woman, but she ignored it for many years and continued to stay active. Doctors prescribed pain medications and suggested injections and suggested a brace for when she was doing physical activity. None of these options were desirable – “I wanted to stay lively and active.”

A friend had suggested to Christiane that she visit the Spine Center at UPMC Passavant. Dr. Matt El-Kadi, chief of Neurosurgery at UPMC Passavant, insisted doing surgery right away, given the damage done over the years.

Christiane is now back doing what she loves – spending time with her grandchildren, golfing, and playing music. “The pain is completely gone. I have a new life again. I’m a new person again since surgery.”